One of the things that must be considered when jumpstarting a car is the jumper cables that you are going to use. If you’d really want to jumpstart your vehicle, at least get some decent jumper cables. Here are a few of our tips on what to look for in a jumper cable.

Tip 1: Select The Proper Gauge

When it comes to wire gauges in jumper cables, the higher the number, the thinner the wire is. Those made with thicker cables are preferred because they are more capable of transmitting more electric current.

Although you don’t necessarily need the thickest gauge, jumper cables that are too thin may not be able to carry enough electric current to successfully jumpstart the vehicle. Usually, those at gauge 5 or 4 are universally used for cars while those that are gauge 2 are for trucks.

Tip 2: 100% Copper Cables Are Best

The jumper cables are made of different materials. Check to make sure you know what they are made of before you buy them. Those that are made of 100% copper cables are best because they are the best conductor. Some may be made of “copper clad” aluminum or aluminum cables.

These have more resistance and are therefore less efficient than 100% copper cables.

Tip 3: Make Sure They Are Properly Insulated

Surrounding the copper wires are two more components. Directly touching the copper wire is what is referred to as the insulation material. This prevents the flow of the electric current in other directions or when the wire touches other conductors.

A well-insulated jumper cable will be safer and more efficient to use. The outer sheath will only protect the insulation and wires from the outside. This is usually oil resistant, chemical resistant, and fire redundant as well.

Tip 4: Select Those With Heavy Duty Clamps

As you would expect, heavy-duty jumper cables will also come with bigger and stronger clamps. The clamps make sure that the connection is secure.

This avoids the clamps from jiggling and causing sparks. A heavy-duty cable should always be partnered with heavy-duty clamps to make sure that the electric current will efficiently pass through them.

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In order to do that, you need another vehicle or a jumpstarter. Most towing and roadside assistance service providers can do this for you but in case you want to do it on your own, you should do it the right way.

Here are the relevant pieces of information you should first know.

How To Jump Start A Car

Before you attempt to jumpstart the car, you should make sure you have the right tools. If you came prepared, then you might already have jumper cables ready for use in your car. If you don’t then you should purchase high-quality ones and always keep them in your car in case you need them.

There are many jumpstart cables available and proper selection is very important. They are usually available in different lengths ranging from 10-20 feet. It is common for people to think that longer cables are better because they are less limiting. However, they also have a higher risk of losing power. That’s because the energy needs to travel longer. Jumper cables also come with gauges. The gauge will reflect the strength of the cables. The lower the gauge, the thicker and stronger the cables are.

Note On Safety: Before even attempting to jumpstart a vehicle, safety should be your number one priority. That being said, the first thing you should do is to keep all people away from the engine. Make sure kids are nowhere near because they may accidentally hold it and get shocked. Also, make sure you read the manual of your vehicle because there are some models that require an extra step in order to successfully jumpstart the vehicle. Additionally, protective gear for the eyes or even gloves should be worn to properly protect yourself.

Jump Start Procedure

Step 1: Make sure vehicles are parked next to or near each other. Park the working car facing the vehicle with the dead battery and make sure that you are a few inches away from each other. Make sure that cars are not touching each other. Automatic transmission vehicles should be set to park while manual transmission vehicles should be set to neutral. The parking brakes should also be activated.

Step 2: Turn off both cars. Remove the keys to avoid accidentally switching it on or accidentally forgetting to turn it off. Then prepare the jumper cables and place them on the ground without touching each other.

Step 3: Open the hood of the two vehicles. Make an assessment and identify the battery of the car. Look at the terminals and know which is the positive and negative terminal. Make sure you differentiate these two very well. In case the battery terminal is dusty or rusted, you may wipe it off with a rag or clean it first with a wire brush.

Step 4: Get the red clamp and attach the clamp to the positive terminal of the dead battery. Make sure it is properly and securely connected. You may wiggle it a bit to make sure it is connected properly.

Step 5: Use the other end of the cable to attach the red clamp to the positive terminal of the battery from the working vehicle.

Step 6: Use the black clamp to attach to the negative terminal of the working battery.

Step 7: Use the other end of the cable and attach it to a bolt that’s found the engine. You may also attach it to any metal part of the car that is unpainted, shiny and clean.

Step 8: Start the engine on the working vehicle. Let the car run for a minute or more. This gives time so that the dead battery takes the charge.

Step 9: Start the engine on the dead car. The car should successfully start now. If it still doesn’t you may wait for a few minutes before trying to start again.

Step 10: Disconnect the jumper cables. Always start with those with the black clamps first. You are going to remove the clamps in reverse order on how you attached them. While the other end of the cable is still attached to the terminal of the battery, make sure the clamps don’t touch each other.

Step 11: Drive the car to charge it. When you drive the car even for a short distance, the alternator recharges the battery and makes sure it doesn’t die again when turned off.

Final Words:

While jumpstarting a vehicle seems easy and simple to do, it can be quite dangerous. The steps stated here should be followed to ensure the safety of the drivers and passengers as well. Following the steps will also help ensure that you successfully jumpstart your vehicle. Remember that this procedure needs another car to work and quality jumper cables. If you don’t have them available, then it is best to call professionals for the jump start service. Also don’t forget to read our post on “Extending The Life Of Your Car Battery” to lessen the risk of needing a jumpstart service.

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